CULTURAL IMMERSION: Cadet Study Abroad Explores Spain

 

In mid-March, MMI instructors Beatriz Castro-Nail (Spanish/humanities) and Buffy Walters (art) accompanied nine cadets on the trip of a lifetime—a Spring Break study abroad in Barcelona and Madrid. 

Both faculty members had been planning the Spain trip since 2015, promoting the 2017 experience to the then freshmen and pursuing the tour company. Serving as extra incentive, each cadet would earn 3 credit hours upon completion of the study abroad course requirements. This fall, Mrs. Castro-Nail and Mrs. Walters solidified participants and began organizing fundraisers—pizza and donut sales, quilt and painting drawings—to help offset travel costs. On March 10, with support of the school and the MMI community, the group finally crossed the Atlantic, eager to explore two Spanish cities in one week. Also joining them was English instructor Nichole Peacock, who noted that their one-day Toledo excursion was a nice change of pace away from the crowds. Read some of their reflections upon returning:

 “Our trip to Spain was a wonderful opportunity for the cadets to experience the Spanish culture firsthand. Not only did they learn about a different lifestyle but also got to see historical, architectural, and religious sites that reflect the beliefs and values of Spanish society.  As a humanities instructor, I always emphasize the importance of finding our calling—hopefully, we love what we choose to do for a living and we excel at it. When you are in Barcelona, you find yourself surrounded with many magnificent buildings by architect Antoni Gaudí. As we contemplated the many different religious scenes in La Sagrada Familia Church, walked around the nature- inspired Park Guell and looked down at the city from the rooftop of Casa Milá, I could only think of the great example this man is for young people who are still trying to figure out what to do with their professional life. He left the world all his creations which were inspired by his love for God, nature, and his region. Each one of his works displays endless creativity, dedication, talent, perseverance, generosity, and an open mind. Architecture was definitely his calling." --Beatriz Castro-Nail

"In Madrid, I was amazed at being able to view Velasquez' ‘Las Meninas.’ The Prado was unreal because I was able to actually see so many of the works I'd only seen in books in class. My favorite part of the trip had to be the Toledo excursion. I enjoyed seeing the comparison between the traditional and modernized parts of the city. I also loved seeing all of the artists at work who still make things like jewelry and swords. Toledo is definitely I place I can see myself retiring."--Cadet Leon Strong

Photo by Joshua Edgar

"By far, my favorite part of the trip was our visit to The Royal Palace in Madrid. It was cool because of the huge amount of rooms and how each specific room related to a different time in history. The arms room was the best part!​ Culturally, however, I think I enjoyed Barcelona the most. It seemed to attract more college-aged people and it was interesting to meet people like me from other cultures. Also, I thought the food was great—especially the tapas and all the fresh seafood."  --Cadet Matthew Lusher

"The most compelling facet of our trip was the ability to bring to life the art that the students spent their year studying in the classroom. These trips bring a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for cadets to enrich their education—of art, and the world as a whole. Barcelona and Madrid were rich cultural experiences for all of us. Having the ability to visit places like La Sagrada Familia, The Picasso Museum, and The Prado and being able to access actual art by Goya, Velazquez, Gaudi and Picasso— that is the ultimate in educational enrichment!”   --Mrs. Buffy Walters 

"Barcelona in the morning."Photo by Buffy Walters.